After a previous rumored date for tactical shooter “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” hit the web, the game has finally got a launch date, with developer Valve announcing a release date of August 21. CS:GO will also have a public beta gamers can warm up to, hopefully ironing out those pesky bugs before release. This will be the fourth outing in the franchise and will be released on all platforms for the first time.

The sequel, in development at Hidden Path Entertainment will have heaps of content featuring new maps, characters, and weapons and updated versions of the classic Counter Strike content and will expand upon the team-based action gameplay from the Counter Strike of old. As for pre-order details and when the public beta will begin, the Counter Strike website told us more:

The two most frequent questions we see asked dealing with access – will there be an open beta and when will pre-orders open up? For pre-orders we hope to open it up about a month before release so roughly July 21st but that is a rough date we will firm up as we get closer, as for an open beta, where everyone can get a chance to try CS:GO, sometime between the pre-orders and release.

So how much will Global Offensive set you back? The game will be available to download from the Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and Steam for $14.99. Valve promises to deliver some good value for your money. So mark those calendars for August 21 and make sure to keep an eye out for more CS:GO information leading up to launch day, I know I will.

When not fighting crime, I dabble in the art of online journalism. Alright, maybe it's not as exciting as headbutting everyday felons like a modern Bruce Wayne, but I need something that doesn't involve bludgeoning something. Get my kicks playing on a fat 80gb PS3, really need an upgrade......and a shave.